Four arraigned in court for alleged defamation of Soun of Ogbomoso on Facebook

Four people were arraigned on Wednesday at the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on charges of defaming the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, via social media.

The defendants, Owolabi Kazeem (47), Adebisi Muritala (48), Mustapha AbdulRahman (33), and Abdulsalam Abdullahi (33), faced three charges: conspiracy, publishing defamatory material on social media, and disturbing public peace. They all pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor Cpl. Akeem Akinloye stated that on October 25, at about 3:00 p.m. in Ogbomoso, the defendants allegedly conspired to publish defamatory content through a video on Facebook and other platforms.

The video allegedly accused Oba Olaoye of inciting religious hostility and creating unrest in Ogbomoso, claims the prosecution asserted were false and intended to disturb public peace.

The alleged offenses contravene Sections 59 (1) (2), 375, and 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Defense counsel O. F. A. Adeosun requested bail for the defendants on lenient terms.

Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted bail at N5 million each, requiring two sureties per defendant. One surety must be a blood relative, and the other must possess three years of tax clearance.

The case has been adjourned to March 10, 2025, for a hearing.